Marcial Soriano loves the sound of kids screaming

As president of St. Mary of the Woods School, Marcial has the pleasure of living a bachelor’s life full of "kids." Screaming, laughing and, yes, even crying sounds from children are joys that he savors. With the two schools that he runs in Bulacan and Makati, Marcial’s 20 years of presidency has bloomed into this year’s enrollment of 830 students.

Gentle and firm, Marcial, 38, has perfected the reply he gives when confronted by passionate parents, teachers, students and all: "I will see what I can do." Can do is his byword as he takes pride in talking about his other interests. With his low-cost housing subdivisions project, ORO Development Corporation, Marcial received the "National Awardee for Top Developer" title for three years.

This month, as he launches more community development work and expands his schools, Marcial reflects upon his heroes – Superman, Sr. Christine Tan and Father Hofstee.

What makes you laugh?

Private jokes.

Which living person do you admire most?

Sister Christine Tan and her sense of mission.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

I love children. Being with them, sharing their experiences, watching them grow, sharing their pain. I am very thankful that my work enables me to be with them every day. So much joy.

What is your favorite journey?

My most important journey is how I live my day-to-day life.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

Peacefully. I have to contend with many independent opinions of good administrators who are very assertive, teachers who are passionate and parents who appeal the disciplinary rulings imposed on their children.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I lose track of time when I am with kids.

What is your favorite quotation?

"Live Jesus in our hearts forever." As I grow older, this Lasallian quotation becomes more meaningful.

What book influenced your life?

The Bible. I was very engrossed with The Jesuits by Malachi Martin. It tackled the internal problems of the order and how they continue to thrive. Very powerful.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Ever since, I have always liked Superman.

Which historical figure would you like to have been?

I would love to have the courage to emulate Father Anthony Hofstee, a missionary priest in Tala Leprosarium. He was very cheerful and loved his work with the lepers. He is a saint.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I really get depressed when I see helplessness in another person or the environment. I wonder why I sometimes linger in that depression before I move on.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Nangmamata. When one looks down on the other because he is richer or smarter.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When helpless kids are neglected, taken advantage of, abused.

How do you start your day?

I always try to have a good prayer session, perhaps 15 minutes.

What is your current state of mind?

Sana, I continue to be hopeful that we can have a better life for Filipinos.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Quiet time.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

My 10 years of volunteer work in the Tala Leprosarium community. I learned that poor and sick people are beautiful and full of dignity . I learned to love and be loved by them.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

I am sorry.

What sounds do you love?

Kids screaming, laughing, talking, not talking, crying.